Chapter 11

* * *

WILLOW

As Alec pulledhis truck into the parking lot, the chili in the crockpot near her slushed menacingly, causing both of them to look down in alarm before sharing a nervous smile.

“Are you ready to do this?”

“You tell me,” he replied bluntly. “You are the one who has the stack of flyers for us to pass out.”

“You don’t have to…” she began, and Alec interrupted her.

“I don’t mind – and I’m kinda proud of the fact that you are some big, bad judge, you know? I mean, who else gets the inside scoop on the legal system? On that note, I have a question.”

“What’s that?”

“Are judges really only wearing underwear under those robes?”

Willow was so shocked that she blurted out laughing and heard his own join hers. They were both laughing so hard, she was wiping her eyes at the ridiculousness of the question – and the happiness she felt in just being here.

“We wear regular clothing,” she chuckled, answering him finally.

“Can I ask one more question?”

“Does it have to do with the legal system again or my underwear?”

“No, but it’s just as important.”

“Ask away…” she smiled – and felt him take her hand. Glancing down, she saw their fingers were laced on the seat between them and saw him take a deep breath, a furrow on his brow. “Whatever it is, you can ask me.”

“Do you want children someday?” he whispered, shocking her to her core. That was not the question she ever imagined him bringing up – and she didn’t know what to say, except to blurt out the truth.

“Oh yes,” she breathed. “I want a big family with lots of little ones running around. To me, there is nothing more wonderful than the thought of having siblings. I would imagine it’s like a built-in best friend or something.”

She had been an only child – just like Alec. His father had died when he was young, while her parents had divorced and both remarried. She was lucky because both families still got along despite all the changes. Her mother didn’t have any other children because of a partial hysterectomy – and her stepmother was barren due to a severe case of P.C.O.S. scarring on her ovaries.

Alec’s deep and soulful eyes met hers as he spoke again, barely a whisper.

“Do you ever wonder what they would look like?”

Willow’s breath caught as her heart slammed against her sternum. Her eyes held his, seeing his searching gaze and the fear in his eyes and melted. Oh my gosh, could this man be any more gentle and loving? Sure, they fought a lot, but that was only because he was so passionate regarding how he wanted things to go. The man was driven when he put his mind to it – and stubborn to boot, but she could be just as well.

“I would imagine they would have your dark hair…”

“And your eyes…”

“No,” she chuckled tearfully, smiling at him. “I would want them to have your beautiful eyes. They can have my smile…”

“I’ve got a nice smile,” he teased, his eyes shining and full of unshed tears as they stared at each other, discussing the unimaginable.

“You’ve got a beautiful smile, but they have to get something from me too.”

“How about your resolve, your strength, your everything…” he whispered, tugging her towards him.

“Are we talking hypothetically?”

“Maybe we are talking about the future…”

“Do you want a big family?”

“I would love a full table and to see them being spoiled by their grandmothers. Thanksgiving dinners surrounded by bright faces with smart mouths…”

“Oh no,” she chuckled tenderly. “What about Christmases where they are trying to find the presents or peeking…”

“I never got caught…”

“But we both know you used to peek.”

“It’s an art form.”

“So it is,” he smiled shyly. “I know it was a weird question, but thank you for sharing with me. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately and had a call that shook me. There was a kid, and I kept looking at him, seeing your eyes, and couldn’t shake it. I was so bothered by the whole thing that I called the hospital to make sure the mother made it after the accident.”

“And did she?”

“Yep. That’s all they could tell me because of H.I.P.P.A. laws, but that was all I needed to know – that the kid that kinda fell into my world for a moment was going to have a Mommy to hug him before bed. I know what that felt like to miss those hugs…”

Alec’s voice trailed off – and her heart couldn’t take anymore. He was so sweet, so gentle, so tender underneath all that gruff, macho, sarcastic armor he wore for everyone; but she knew the marshmallow man underneath.

“I love your beautiful soul – and I always have,” she whispered tearfully, moved by what he was revealing to her. These were the building blocks that would bring them together once again, she hoped. “Thank you for sharing with me, and I want you to know you can always trust me.”

“I love you too. I just hate what happened and how it affected me.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“You have nothing to apologize for – I wasn’t giving you what you needed, and I was so focused elsewhere that I missed all the signs,” he began openly, not holding back as he looked at her. “I’m glad we are getting a second chance.”

“I am, too.”

“Is it weird that I don’t care if we get out of the truck?” he smiled, wiping his eyes and sniffing. “I mean, we could just take the chili back home…”

“What about the flyers?” she laughed, wiping her own eyes.

“Dang it,” he muttered and then flashed her a grin, winking at her. “I’ve gotta support my favorite candidate.”

“You’re my favorite ‘candidate,’ you know…”

“Combined with a few hot kisses later?”

“I’m sure that could happen,” she chuckled, smiling shyly at him – and saw him pause before opening his door, looking back at her. “What?”

“Maybe we could practice saying those three words again later, too?”

Her heart turned over once more as she saw his tender smile and the warmth of his gaze. He wanted to hear her say ‘I love you’ again. Oh boy – she would scream it to the heavens for anyone to hear.

“I think I could manage that,” she murmured, feeling a flush of joy fill every corner of her soul as she watched Alec climb out of the truck and walk to her side, opening her door. He held out his hand to her, helping her down, and looked her in the eyes.

“Things are different this time – and I am here for it. I like what we have going, and my eyes are finally open, Willow.”

“Mine too,” she replied softly. “Because I’m never letting go again.”

“Me neither.”

“Shall we?”

“Chili and flyers… then kisses and hugs.”

“You got it.”

Alec chuckled and leaned forward, picking up the massive crockpot while she dug out her package of flyers and roll of stickers. She slipped the roll onto her wrist like a bracelet and shut the truck door, following him across the parking lot to where a bevy of picnic tables waited.

Immediately, they were swallowed by people. Everyone wanted to say ‘hello,’ shake hands, and seemed to know Alec. The man did not have a stranger in this world, and he was cutting up with everyone. She saw Chief Carpenter, Alec’s boss, standing at a table with several others – all wearing stickers that said ‘Hello’ with the word ‘Judge’ written underneath.

The chili cookoff judges, she smiled as she heard Alec.

“Hey! I got your winner right here, Chief,” Alec announced, setting the crockpot on the table nearby. “Where’s your little brother, Inferior?”

“Inferno,” Chief Carpenter laughed loudly – and even several others around started chuckling at the play on words. “His call sign is Inferno in the Air Force, and Max will be here shortly with his new wife. Do us all a favor and try not to call him Inferior to his new wife.”

“No promises. Potato, pot?to. A cupcake is still a muffin with frosting no matter how pretty it looks. How about ‘Infernal’ or ‘Nocturnal’?”

“How about ‘Max’?”

The two men were laughing and cutting up several feet from where she stood, only for Willow to feel someone touch her arm. She turned to greet the person and plucked a flyer off the pad in her arms – only to come face to face with her competitor.

Judge Eugene Stevenson.

“So, you and the firefighter, huh? I didn’t think you had it in you to sink so low, Rushman,” Eugene said under his breath. “Nice touch, you know. The calendar, coming to this event, and trying to squirrel the favor of all the first responders in the city.”

“What are you talking about?”

“So, how’s it going for you? Do you think you are going to win favor by sleeping with Mary Beckett’s son? Her husband was a hero, and you are tarnishing their family name by dragging him through the mud. Wait until the internet gets a hold of those pictures…” he drawled and gave her a sideways look – and Willow felt herself pale.

“What pictures?” she whispered weakly, realizing her suspicions that she was being followed were accurate. She had been hoping to catch someone in the act so she could turn it over to the police, yet Judge Slimeball was downright admitting to it.

“Oh, let’s see. I think my favorite was you two rolling in the grass and kissing each other. The kiss in front of the fire station was a nice touch, sweet, but that didn’t help me at all…” and paused, getting this nauseatingly smug smile on his face.

“Now it’s interesting what you can do with digital photography. Your boy-toy’s mini-blinds are broken, and if you pay the right person with skills…?” his words hung in the air, shocking her to her core. He tutted softly, walking around her like a predatory animal. “Shameful – and who knew that the honorable Judge Rushman isn’t exactly honorable after all… is she?”

“I’ll sue you,” she said tightly. “You were having me followed and…”

“You can’t prove anything,” he replied smugly, cutting her off. “Do you think I’m stupid?”

Willow couldn’t help but feel like a tiger was stalking her, playing with her, waiting to pounce, and she had no idea what he was talking about regarding some mysterious photos. If someone had taken pictures of her kissing Alec at her home, they had to have been peering over the privacy fence – which was creepy as could be. This also meant that someone was peering into Alec’s place, following him, and a complete invasion of privacy. How far did this extend? What other photographs had someone taken of her? How badly were they doctored?

Her mind was going wild as she stood there, completely side-swiped by the comments he was whispering and the implications.

“People used to point at you, using you as a model citizen for all their daughters to see… lawyers looked up to you because you were fair, honest, and ethical, but what do you think they will say when…”

“Hey!” Alec snapped, suddenly showing up – and shoving Judge Stevenson bodily, making a scene. “Are you threatening her?”

“Ahhh, one of the models of the X-rated photographs…”

“What’d you say?!” Alec roared angrily as two men grabbed him by the arms, pulling him away from Eugene.

“Good luck in the polls, Rushman… with any luck, you might end up working a poll to make ends meet, you tramp. Doesn’t District Court Judge Stevenson sound soooo good?”

And Willow heard a gasp nearby, pulling her horrified gaze from Eugene’s smug face. She saw Alec jerk his arms from the two men holding him – and realized a series of whispers and surprised expressions rippled through the crowd. She felt eyes landing on her, shocked and stunned, as they all looked at their cell phones – and at her.

“You should not be near children nor these decent folks,” Eugene said loudly. “Shame on you, Rushman… for shame on you both. You should leave.”

“What did you do?” Alec snapped hotly, advancing. “WHAT DID YOU DO TO WILLOW?”

“Actually, apparently, the last of our unwed Flirt’s Battalion decided to cross a line that most good and decent people would not…”

Willow was on the verge of a panic attack. Her heart was beating so loudly it was a drum in her ears. Her hands and arms were trembling. She was deathly afraid if she moved, her legs would collapse. This was worse than any nightmare she’d had as a child of being naked in public, and she still had no clue what photographs Eugene was referring to – but it was written all over the townsfolks” faces.

Faces that didn’t forget easily.

Faces of people she knew – and knew they gossiped. There were the gamblers of town, those people who split their pants at work, and those who had to borrow five bucks for gas. Everyone knew who was dating who and who was pregnant – and the list went on. Oh yes, they knew each morsel of gossip that only fed and grew as it passed from person to person.

One of the other firefighters who attended the chili cook-off showed Alec a cell phone – and Alec cursed, looking directly at her. His face was pale and pinched around his lips, but his cheeks were ruddy with anger. If looks could kill, Eugene would already be standing in line to get into Hell.

Alec looked at her, his fists bunched up, and he swallowed. She saw his Adam’s apple bob as he drew himself upward, squared his shoulders, and spoke.

“That’s not appropriate to see online – and while, obviously, someone has invaded my privacy at my home, that is NOT Judge Rushman.”

Alec’s voice was loud over the silence. He was deliberately using her name and title, the words echoing over the crowd. He turned from her and pointed at Eugene standing beside her.

“You, sir, should be contacting an attorney because this will not go unaddressed. You have invaded my privacy, slandered Judge Rushman, and spread indecent photos that should not be seen by decent folk.”

“Why are you addressing me?” Eugene said theatrically, looking taken aback, only for Alec to step forward, coming to Willow’s side.

“Because I came upon you threatening the woman I just asked to marry me today,” Alec said hotly, putting an arm around her waist to keep her steady. She was so grateful that she wasn’t standing alone taking the brunt of this, but at the same time, she hated that he was defending them. She was just so shocked and horrified that someone could sink so low, and then it clicked what Alec had said – to everyone.

Hold up?

Wait a second…?

He was marrying her?!

Willow’s brain screeched to a staggering halt as she was processing what was happening so quickly, combined with the staggering words that kept sounding in her head, heart, and soul.

“There is nothing worse than having a relationship destroyed before it really takes off,” Alec said bluntly to Eugene, loud enough for the crowd to hear it. “We’ve both grown up in Ember Creek. I have been injured for this town, delivered babies, nearly died, and pulled people from this town out of wrecked cars and horrible fires. This is our home!”

Alec was shaking; he was so angry, holding her at his side protectively.

“Willow Rushman participates at every charity event, she goes to church on Sundays, spends time with the people of this town… because she loves them and cares what happens. She is – and has always been – fair, honest, and not afraid to do the right thing, and you are trashing her publicly for votes?” Alec continued, not letting anyone get a word in edgewise. “These people are our neighbors, our families. You have spread your filth and implied lies about someone who is good, decent, and pure. Yeah, buddy – I’d get a really good attorney and recommend you do not say another word in front of all these witnesses.”

Alec turned to her – and hugged her.

“I’m so sorry this is happening to us,” he said calmly, but his eyes were still glittering with pent-up rage. “We’ll handle this batch of lies together and face our friends because we have nothing to hide. I don’t want you looking at that filth because it will only hurt your feelings more. We, the people of Ember Creek, need you to keep a calm head and open heart so you can continue to provide services to our community.” And then he touched her chin, tipping it upward as he continued to hold her gaze. “You are the best person I’ve ever met – and I am so lucky to know you. Don’t let this moment ruin our day.”

“Beckett,” Chief Carpenter said loudly, clapping Alec on the shoulder and looking at the two of them, his eyes questioning. “There is an attorney enjoying her second bowl of chili sitting right beside my brother, who is home visiting from Afghanistan. We all serve our country however we can, and I’m sure Elana Cole-Carpenter, my new sister-in-law, will be honored to help out as well.”

The threat and obvious support hung in the air. One of the firefighters she recognized as Alec’s boss, Justin, also stepped forward.

“If you need anything at all – you say the word. You’ll always have my vote because I hate liars with a passion,” Justin said loudly, grabbing the flyers from Alec’s other hand.

People were looking at each other and whispering, and Willow thought she was going to be sick, wondering what exactly was being said as curiosity plagued her of the unknown. She had done nothing wrong, but Alec said they were filthy photos?

Oh my gosh, how bad was this?

“Judge Rushman, do you need any help passing out flyers?” A woman said, her voice piercing the crowd. “You were kind enough to give my boy community service instead of sending him to jail – and I really appreciate your kindness. He turned over a new leaf because of you, and I would be happy to give back.”

“Judge Rushman? Mr. Beckett? This is Cindy Maldanado from Channel 4 News, and I am stunned at today’s turn of events. Do you have anything you would like to say to your friends and neighbors?”

She blinked, horrified, as a microphone was suddenly thrust in her direction. The news was here?! This was what she did not need to happen. If she broke down, letting Stevenson see that he’d scored a direct hit on her pride, then the news would have a field day, and she took a cue from her better half – Alec.

“I have no words for what has happened,” Willow said quietly, drawing strength from him. “I am shocked at the depravity of my opponent – and cannot comment as we will be retaining an attorney to pursue this invasion of privacy, slanderous accusations, and disgusting images shared with you all in order to sway the election.”

She looked at Alec, who nodded.

“I would like to add one thing,” Willow began, swallowing back all of her emotions to keep a cool composure – or as much as she could at this moment. She wanted to rage, to hide, to scream out how unfair this was because she had taken the ‘high road’ during it all with absolute faith that things would be okay… but she was shaken, faltering, and picking herself back up. If this was her path, so be it – she would not walk it alone. She slipped her hand into Alec’s. “While this is horrible, hurtful, and degrading, I would like to reiterate that today’s event is for the benefit of our community. We have some of our first responders, citizens, and beloved friends here – and everything collected during today’s fundraiser goes to our very own orphanage. One person’s depraved actions should not harm our youngest citizens who need our help so badly.”

When the reporter didn’t get the reaction she was hoping for, she quickly walked off, looking avidly disappointed that the ‘scoop’ she had been hoping for was turning into something else.

“Bravo,” Alec said quietly, turning to kiss her forehead and whispering to her. “Do you want to get out of here?”

“No,” she whispered, hating that her voice warbled. “I can’t, Alec. I’m going to take a deep breath, mingle, and act like none of this bothered me.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’ll have my breakdown later, behind closed doors.”

“I’ll check the windows,” he muttered and then kissed her temple again. “We’ll talk later once everything calms down, but you aren’t going through this alone. I promise.”

“I can’t believe him…”

“Shhh. Be strong,” Alec encouraged in a hushed whisper so no one heard him before kissing her temple. “That dude has no idea what a mess he’s stepped into”

His words were so softly spoken, so emphatic, and so unexpected that Willow couldn’t help but let out a small laugh as she looked him in the eyes. Anyone watching them would think they were an affectionate couple making sweet talk to each other, completely unaffected by what just happened.

“I love you, and we’ll come through this together,” he promised, smiling at her. “I am so proud of you right now, and that man doesn’t know what a fierce being he’s tangled with. Now, let’s mingle and work some magic because District Court Judge Beckett sounds pretty good. In fact, I know it will make one man’s knees quake in fear.”

“Yours?” she asked candidly and was rewarded with a wide grin.

“Yup,” he chuckled and hugged her again. “I was talking about Judge Stevenson, but yeah… I’m smarter this time around and finally figuring things out in my head.”

As he pulled back, she met his eyes and felt her entire soul smile at the acceptance in his gaze. It wasn’t beautiful words spewed for the crowd or fake promises offered to help her. No, he meant what he said, and while it might have been spoken hastily, or perhaps he was nervous, he was also willing to take a chance on them.

“Me too, Alec,” she said bravely. “We’re both smarter – and we’re going to make it this time around.”

“I think we are.”

He gave her hand a squeeze and tugged her forward into the crowd, where she thrived, smiling and talking with everyone.

* * *

Late in the afternoon,they left the chili cook-off as losers in the competition. They both sat in the cab of the truck, neither speaking. Alec had stayed by her side all afternoon, obviously taking a lesson from her as he smiled politely at everyone, shaking hands and chatting.

Maybe they were both just tired? Maybe he was having second thoughts? Her mind was racing with all sorts of thoughts or ideas – and none she wanted to put out there to the universe, just in case.

Pulling up at her house, they both got out of the vehicle. Alec retrieved the empty crockpot from the floorboard directly in front of where she had been sitting in the passenger seat seconds ago.

She didn’t hesitate. All she wanted to do was get inside, out of the view of anyone who might be watching her still. She was already walking up to the house, digging out her keys and unlocking the door. As she stepped inside, she held the door open for him, locking it, and she heard a noise behind her as the ‘armor’ she’d been wearing all afternoon was finally falling apart.

Alec had immediately set down the crockpot on the floor, already moving toward her. He was pulling her into his arms, hugging her as the first sob escaped her. Breakdown time! It was like a school bell going off within her as she heard him speak, her fingers curling into the front of his shirt as the flood of tears she’d held back came forth.

“Shhh… I’ve got you.”

“Why? Why would he do something like this?”

“He’s sick, disgusting, and corrupt…”

“Alec, that was so below the belt – and personal – my goodness, he posted pictures of what was supposed to be us being intimate, insinuating so much, and…”

“You know that was photoshopped. right? I didn’t want you to look at it because it was disgustingly filthy, and I don’t want you to doubt me. I would never cheat or…”

“I never thought it was real, but he took pictures of us kissing in my very backyard. He took a private, beautiful moment and cheapened it, making it seem like more happened…”

“But we know the truth,” he whispered, kissing the top of her head as he smoothed her hair. “I would never dishonor you or bring shame on your head – and I hope you know that. I’ve always insisted we be married before we go any further because I believe in commitment.”

“What you said about us being engaged was sweet, but I know you are scared I’ll hurt you again. I won’t, but I also won’t hold you to it if you are having a change of heart or getting cold feet…” and she started to withdraw, curling up physically to protect her wounded heart.

“Willow, stop,” Alec whispered, cupping her cheeks and turning it up to him. She pulled back, not wanting him to see her tear-streaked face – only to feel him tug her close again. “I’m not letting you go again,” he breathed, not looking away from her eyes. “If I’m scared, it’s because I am afraid of failing you someday or not being enough. I’m not some smart guy with a degree. I work hard, have a tough job, and give it my everything…”

“You may not have a degree, but you are a better man than most, so I really don’t care about a piece of paper. I care about you, the man I’ve never stopped loving even when we fell apart…”

“Are you sure – I really need you to be sure,” he said hoarsely. “Last chance to back out on me if you need to.”

“I’m not backing out.”

“I’m not either,” he replied. “I may grumble, whine, or make inappropriate jokes, but I am here for this… if you’ll have me.”

“I want everything – a partner, love, laughter, a house full of children, and…” Alec took her hands in his, cradling them and bringing them up to his chest, making her words trail off as she stared at him, marveling at a sudden cunning glint to his eyes.

“Let’s do it – and make Judge Stevenson pay at the same time.”

“What do you mean?”

“Let’s do the…” Alec’s cell phone rang, and he yanked it out of his pocket, giving a little laugh as he held it up for her to see. “I knew this was coming.”

The screen said ‘MOM’ on the front – and they shared a knowing look as he answered it.

“Hey Mom, I’m kinda busy and…”

“Don’t you ‘busy’ me, young man! Why am I hearing from Pearl Mulligan that you told everyone at the fundraiser that you were getting married – and I told you to fix those mini-blinds in your apartment – three times!”

Willow winced as she heard the entire conversation because Alec held the phone from his ear, grimacing.

“You were right…” he began.

“I know I am! I’m your mother, and you should start listening to me instead of going on and on, beating on your chest with that whole ‘I’m a Man’ act. You might have an ‘angle to the dangle,’ but that doesn’t make you smart, mature, or intelligent enough to realize that ‘Mother knows best’… You stubborn little twerp! How many times did I tell you to go after her? Hmm? And it’s about time you are finally growing up and doing the smart thing!”

“Ma… p-please?” he choked, looking mortified. “Hang on a second…”

“Oh my word,” Willow chuckled, embarrassed for Alec as his mother dressed him down verbally.

“When is this wedding? Why didn’t you show me the ring? You are having a wedding, right? Are you trying for children right away? I saw the photos, and you sure don’t have the skills that your…”

“Oh my gosh, Ma, please…?!” Alec squawked, turning away from her with this horrified look on his face as he covered the mouthpiece with his hand. “Ma, I swear this all just happened. We’re talking about it right now, and you interrupted. I’m gonna get a ring, and we’ll let you know as soon as we…”

Willow grabbed the phone from him – and saw his shocked gaze.

“Hi Mary…”

“Oh, thank goodness. Willow, don’t you let him control everything. Put your foot down and ask for a big wedding.”

“I promise I will – and let’s have lunch together so we can talk about the details once we get a few things ironed out.”

“I would love that, sweetheart.”

“I’m going to give the phone back to Alec now so we can get started planning – by the way, it was his idea, and he was so romantic about it, too. I’ll tell you everything.”

Alec mouthed ‘thank you’ and blew her a kiss as he quickly said ‘bye’ to his mom and sagged physically as he hung up the phone.

“Oh my gosh, she could have ended World War II with that mouth alone, a slipper, and ten minutes behind a closed door. Those dictators would have been sobbing when they were finally freed,” Alec grimaced. “It’s a good thing she loves me.”

“Yeah, I’ve seen your mother mad.”

“You have?”

“Sure have! She charged me a hundred bucks for three donuts.”

Alec burst out laughing, walking over and hugging her once more, and she joined in. They were both letting off steam, calming down, and putting this whole event behind them in the only way they knew how – by making jokes or cutting up.

Then he kissed her - softly, gently, and with so much emotion. It was a show of love, a silent promise between them, and a comfort to the soul as they reached for each other. His arms were around her waist as she curled hers around his shoulders, marveling that they were here.

Together.

A couple.

As he broke the kiss, he smiled tenderly and kissed the tip of her nose once more before playfully nipping at it – causing a second round of laughter between them as his teeth grazed her nose gently. Meeting her eyes, she saw his crinkle at the edges as he smirked at her.

“Let’s grab some paper and a pen, and start strategizing…”

“Strategizing?”

“If we are doing this, then we are going to use it too. I’ve got an ax to grind with your opponent, and I can’t think of a better way to do it.”

“With our wedding?”

“Why not? It would show our commitment, we can invite the entire town welcoming all of our families and friends. Let’s get everyone involved, be very open about it if they ask, but don’t give up any details, and…”

“Oh my gosh, you are scary brilliant sometimes,” she chuckled with dawning awareness. “I have someone hired to help me with ads and marketing, and I’m always trying to hand out flyers… but this takes it to another level.”

“I’m serious. Let’s shop local and start dropping little hints, but we won’t announce the bombshell until closer to the date of the wedding. Instead of flyers, let’s hand out wedding invitations.”

“You’re kidding…”

“Nope,” he grinned. “In fact, if the election is at the beginning of November, let’s get married the last Saturday in October.”

“What day is that? Let me get some paper and start jotting down notes,” she said distractedly, opening a drawer in her desk and withdrawing a notepad. “Why don’t you ask your mother to come over so we can plan?”

“Uh, that’s a hard ‘no’. That cramps my plans of further kissing you.”

Before Willow could say anything, she felt Alec’s arms wrap around her from the back as his lips pressed to the side of her neck. She immediately melted against his chest, curling an arm to thread her fingers in his hair.

“I think we are still working on a few things, needing to spend a little time together, and I’m kinda out of practice with this whole ‘romance’ thing…” he chuckled softly, kissing her throat once more. “If my mom is here, then we can’t do this.”

Willow turned in his arms, and he didn’t resist or fight the movement but instead moved with her. His lips captured hers, and she was here for it.

“She also gossips a lot,” she whispered against his lips and treasured his soft knowing laugh.

“Yeah, she does. It wouldn’t be a secret, would it? Between Mom and Mrs. Kendall…”

“Oh heavens…”

“Right?”

“Let’s keep this between ourselves for a bit, start making plans, and then unveil our surprise… with a veil.”

“I love it,” she chuckled happily.

“I love you,” he breathed, kissing her again.